Every fix links to the tool or machine manufacturer document it comes from. Starting points only: test in scrap.
Troubleshooting by symptom
Woodworking (router)
- Burn marks on the cut edge
- Tear-out or chipped veneer on plywood/laminate
- Fuzzy or rough edge finish
- Parts shifting on the vacuum table
- Plastic melting or chips welding back into the cut
- Knife marks on plastic edges
- Small parts come loose or get thrown on the last pass
- Vacuum hold-down is weak across the table
- Bit makes dust instead of chips
- Blow-out or melting where the bit plunges
- Edge finish differs from one side of a part to the other
Machinist (metal milling)
- Chatter / vibration marks
- Tool breakage
- Built-up edge in aluminum
- Work hardening in stainless
- End mills wear out early
- Cutting edges chip
- Chips pack in the flutes
- Heavy burrs on milled edges
- Parts are out of tolerance (walls or pockets off size)